Anvil assemblies and delivery systems

ABSTRACT

An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a suture that secures the anvil head in a delivery position and is separable from the anvil head following delivery of the anvil assembly. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly, a delivery assembly secured to the anvil assembly, and a suture selectively secured to the anvil assembly for securing the anvil assembly in a delivery position and retrieving the anvil assembly.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an anvil assemblies for use with a surgical stapling device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a delivery system for trans-oral delivery of the anvil assemblies.

Background of Related Art

Trans-oral delivery systems for delivering an anvil assembly to a surgical site, e.g., the stomach, typically include a guide suture threaded through one or more openings in the head of the anvil assembly to facilitate trans-oral insertion of the anvil assembly. The guide suture, which includes ends that remain external of the patient's mouth, may be used by the surgeon to dislodge the anvil assembly if the anvil assembly becomes stuck during trans-oral delivery of the anvil assembly and/or to retrieve the anvil assembly in the event of a patient emergency, e.g., cardiac arrest. Improved methods for securing the guide suture to the anvil assembly to facilitate detachment of the guide suture from the anvil assembly once the anvil assembly is delivered to the surgical site and/or the stapling procedure has been performed are desirable.

SUMMARY

An anvil delivery system is provided. The anvil delivery system includes a delivery assembly an anvil assembly selectively securable to the delivery assembly and including a center rod assembly selectively securable to the delivery assembly and a head assembly pivotally secured to the center rod assembly between a first tilted position and an operative position. The anvil delivery system further including a suture extending from the anvil delivery system through the head assembly and distally of the head assembly, wherein the suture retains the head assembly in the first tilted position.

In embodiments, the head assembly includes a housing that defines a first proximal opening and a second proximal opening, the suture extending through each of the first and second proximal openings. The delivery assembly may include a flexible member and an adapter. The suture may extend through the adapter. The suture may be frictionally secured between the flexible member and the adapter. The suture may extend from the first proximal opening through the adapter and to the second proximal opening. A first portion of the suture may cross over a second portion of the suture between the head assembly and the adapter. The suture may include a loop extending distally of the head assembly. The head assembly may be movable to a second tilted position opposite the first tilted position.

Also provided is a method of securing an anvil assembly in a first tilted position. The method includes receiving a first end of a suture through a first opening in a head assembly of an anvil assembly, receiving the first end of the suture through a bore in an adapter secured to a center rod assembly of the anvil assembly, receiving the first end of the suture back through a second opening in the head assembly, and tying the first end of the suture to a second end of the suture adjacent the head assembly.

In embodiments, the method further includes moving the head assembly relative to the center rod assembly prior to tying the first end of the suture to the second end of the suture. Moving the head assembly relative to the center rod assembly may include pivoting the head assembly to a first tilted position. Receiving the first end of the suture through a first opening may include receiving the first end of the suture into a first distal opening and out a first proximal opening. Receiving the first end of the suture through a second opening may include receiving the first end of the suture into a second proximal opening and out of a second distal opening.

Another method of securing an anvil assembly in a first tilted position is also provided. The method includes receiving a first end of a suture through a first opening in a head assembly of an anvil assembly, receiving a second end of the suture through a second opening in the head assembly, receiving the first and second ends of the suture through a bore in an adapter, and securing the adapter to a flexible member such that the suture is secured within the bore.

In embodiments, receiving the first and second ends of the suture through a bore includes receiving the first end of the suture through a first bore in a first direction and receiving the second end of the suture through the first bore in a second direction, then receiving the first end of the suture through a second bore in the second direction and receiving the second end of the suture through the second bore in the first direction. Securing the adapter to the flexible member may include receiving a first end of the adapter within an open end of the flexible member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed anvil assembly and anvil assembly delivery system are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling device including an embodiment of an anvil assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a first perspective side view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a second perspective side view of the anvil assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a distal end of the tilt anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-6 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a distal end of the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-6 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of the cam latch member of the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-7 supported on an anvil delivery system;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged exploded view of the anvil delivery system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 an enlarged top view of the anvil delivery system of FIGS. 9 and 10, including the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-7;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the anvil assembly and anvil assembly delivery system of FIG. 11 taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional side view of the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-7, in a pre-fired tilted position supported on the anvil delivery system of FIGS. 9-12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of the anvil assembly and anvil delivery system of FIGS. 11 and 12 being inserted trans-orally into a patient;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged side view of the distal head portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1 with the anvil assembly removed;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged side view of the distal head portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1 with the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-7 received thereon;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the distal head portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. land the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-7 in a pre-fired non-tilted operative position;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the distal head portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. land the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-7 in a post-fired non-titled operative position;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the distal end of the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-7 in the post-fired operative position;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the distal end of the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-7 in a post-fired tilted position;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-7 in a post-fired tilted position supported on an anvil retainer of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 22A is another cross-sectional side view of the anvil assembly of FIGS. 1-7 in a post-fired tilted position supported on an anvil retainer of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 22A;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 22 supported on the anvil retainer of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 25 is a perspective side view of an anvil assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in an operative position;

FIG. 26 is a perspective bottom view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 25, in a first tilted position and with a backup plate/cutting ring assembly removed;

FIG. 27 is a top view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 25 and a distal portion of the anvil delivery system of FIG. 11 with parts separated, and a suture as the suture is secured to the anvil assembly and anvil delivery system in a first configuration;

FIG. 28 is a top view of the anvil assembly, anvil delivery assembly, and suture of FIG. 27, with the anvil delivery system secured to the anvil assembly and the suture secured to the anvil assembly and the anvil delivery system in the first configuration;

FIG. 29 is a top view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 25 and a distal portion of the anvil delivery system of FIG. 11 with parts separated, and a suture as the suture is secured to the anvil assembly and anvil delivery system in a second configuration;

FIG. 30 is a top view of the anvil assembly, anvil delivery assembly, and suture of FIG. 29, with an adapter of the anvil delivery system secured to the anvil assembly and as the suture is secured to the anvil assembly and the anvil delivery system in the second configuration;

FIG. 31 is a top view of the anvil assembly, anvil delivery assembly, and suture of FIG. 29, with the anvil delivery system secured to the anvil assembly and the suture secured to the anvil assembly and the anvil delivery system in the second configuration;

FIG. 32 is a top view of the anvil assembly, anvil delivery assembly, and suture of FIG. 29, with the anvil delivery system secured to the anvil assembly and the suture secured to the anvil assembly and the anvil delivery system in a third configuration; and

FIG. 33 is a perspective side view of the anvil assembly, anvil delivery assembly, and suture of FIG. 32, further including a suture reel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed anvil assembly delivery system will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. Throughout this description, the term “proximal” will refer to the portion of the instrument closest to the operator and the term “distal” will refer to the portion of the instrument furthest from the operator.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a surgical stapling device configured for use with tilt anvil assemblies and anvil delivery systems according to the present disclosure. Although the anvil assemblies and anvil delivery systems of the present disclosure will be described with reference to surgical stapling device 10, it is envisioned that the anvil assemblies and anvil delivery systems may be modified for use with alternative surgical stapling devices.

Briefly, the surgical stapling device 10 includes a proximal handle assembly 12, an elongated central body portion 14 including a curved elongated outer tube 14 a, and a distal head portion 16. Alternately, in some surgical procedures, e.g., the treatment of hemorrhoids, it is desirable to have a substantially straight, shortened, central body portion. The length, shape and/or the diameter of the body portion 14 and the distal head portion 16 may also be varied to suit a particular surgical procedure.

With reference still to FIG. 1, the handle assembly 12 includes a stationary handle 18, a firing trigger 20, a rotatable approximation knob 22 and an indicator 24. A pivotally mounted trigger lock 26 is fastened to the handle assembly 12 and is manually positioned to prevent inadvertent firing of the stapling device 10. The indicator 24 is positioned on the stationary handle 18 and includes indicia, e.g., color coding, alpha-numeric labeling, etc., to identify to a surgeon whether the device is approximated and is ready to be fired. The head portion 16 includes an anvil assembly 110 and a shell assembly 31. For a more detailed discussion of an exemplary surgical stapler, please refer to commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,364,060 to Milliman, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, an anvil assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as anvil assembly 110. The anvil assembly 110 is shown in a non-titled position or operative position. The anvil assembly 110 includes a head assembly 112 and a center rod assembly 114. The head assembly 112 includes a post 116, a housing 118, a backup member or plate 120, a cutting ring 122, a cutting ring cover 123, an anvil plate 124, a spacer or washer 125, a cam latch member 126, and a retainer member 127. The post 116 is monolithically formed with and centrally positioned within the housing 118. Alternately, the housing 118 and the post 116 may be formed separately and fastened together using a known fastening technique, e.g., welding.

As will be discussed in further detail below, the housing 118 includes openings 119 a, 119 b sized and dimensioned to receive one or more sutures “S”. During use, a first suture “S₁” (FIG. 9) is inserted through openings 119 a and is used to retain the head assembly 112 in a retracted or first tilted position (FIG. 9) during insertion of the anvil assembly 110 within a patient. A second suture “S₂” (FIG. 9) is inserted through the openings 119 b. The second suture “S₂” is configured to facilitate guiding the anvil assembly 110 trans-orally within a patient. During trans-oral insertion of the anvil assembly 110, the second suture “S₂” extends from the mouth “M” (FIG. 15) of patient, permitting the anvil assembly 110 to be retrieved trans-orally.

With reference still to FIGS. 2-7, the anvil plate 124 is supported in an outer annular recess 128 of the housing 118 and includes a plurality of staple deforming pockets 130 for receiving and deforming staples. At least one tab 124 a extends radially outwardly from the anvil plate 124 and is received within a cutout 132 formed in an outer rim of the housing 118. The tab 124 a and the cutout 132 function to align or properly position the anvil plate 124 within the annular recess 128 of the housing 118.

With particular reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the head assembly 112 will be described in detail. The backup plate 120 includes a central opening 134 which is positioned about the post 116 within an inner annular recess 136 of the housing 118 between the post 116 and the outer annular recess 128. The backup plate 120 includes a raised platform 120 a. The cutting ring 122 includes an opening 122 a having a configuration substantially the same as the platform 120 a. Although the platform 120 a is illustrated as having a circular shape, other configurations are envisioned, e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, etc. In one embodiment, the cutting ring 122 is formed from polyethylene and is fixedly secured to the backup plate 120 using, for example, an adhesive, to form a backup plate/cutting ring assembly. The backup plate 120 is formed from a hard material, e.g., a metal. Alternately other materials of construction may be used to construct the backup plate 120 and the cutting ring 122. Further, the backup plate 120 and the cutting ring 122, in the alternative, can be formed as a single or unitary structure.

Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a cutting ring cover 123 is secured to an outwardly facing or proximal surface of the cutting ring 122 using, for example, an adhesive. In one embodiment, the cutting ring cover 123 is formed from a material or materials, having a hardness greater than that of the cutting ring, e.g., mylar. In one embodiment, the cutting ring cover 123 includes two layers of mylar (not shown) which are joined together using an adhesive and a polypropylene coating. Alternately, the cutting ring 122 does not include a cover. The cutting ring 122 and the backup plate 120 are slidably mounted about the post 116. The backup plate 120 includes a pair of inwardly extending fingers 138 which will be described in further detail below.

With reference still to FIGS. 6 and 7, the retainer member 127 is positioned in the inner annular recess 136 between the backup plate 120 and a back wall 118 a of the housing 118. In one embodiment, the retainer member 127 is annular and includes a plurality of deformable tabs 127 a which engage a rear surface of the backup plate 120. The retainer member 127 prevents the backup plate 120 and the cutting ring 122 from moving or being pushed into the inner annular recess 136 of the housing 118 until a predetermined force sufficient to deform the tabs 127 a has been applied to the backup plate/cutting ring assembly. The predetermined force can be close to but is less than the force applied by an annular cutting blade of a surgical stapling device when it engages, for example, the cutting ring of the anvil assembly 110. In one embodiment by way of example, the predetermined force is between about ten pounds and about ninety pounds and can be about thirty (30) pounds. When the predetermined force is reached, e.g., during cutting of tissue, the backup plate 120 is urged into the inner annular recess 136 and compresses the retainer member 127.

It is envisioned that other crushable, deformable, collapsible or movement restricting members may be used to retain the backup plate/cutting ring assembly in a fixed position until a predetermined force has been applied to the backup plate/cutting ring assembly. An exemplary retaining member is described in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/078,766, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Turning back to FIG. 4, the anvil center rod assembly 114 includes a center rod 152, a plunger 154, and plunger spring 156. A first end of center rod 152 includes a pair of arms 159 which define a cavity 159 a. Each arm 159 has a transverse throughbore 158 which is aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the center rod 152. Alternately, the throughbores 158 can be offset from the longitudinal axis of the center rod 152. The post 116 of the head assembly 112 is dimensioned to be positioned within the cavity 159 a and also includes a transverse throughbore (not shown). A pivot member 162 pivotally secures the post 116 to the center rod 152 via the throughbores 158 such that the head assembly 112 may be pivotally mounted to the anvil center rod assembly 114.

Turning briefly to FIG. 8, the cam latch member 126 includes a body 126 a having a throughbore 126 b. The throughbore 126 b is dimensioned to receive the pivot member 162 such that the cam latch member 126 is pivotally mounted within the transverse slot 172 (FIG. 3) of the post 116 about the pivot member 162. Referring now to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, the cam latch member 126 includes a body portion 126 c which extends partially from the transverse slot 172 of the post 116 and is positioned to be engaged by a finger 166 of the plunger 154. The body portion 126 c is configured such that the distance between the surface of the body portion 126 c and the throughbore 126 b increase in a clockwise direction about the cam latch member 126. In this manner, the plunger 154 is able to move forward as the cam latch member 126 rotates in a clockwise direction. Additionally, this configuration of the body portion 126 c permits the plunger 154 to be retracted as the cam latch member 126 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction. The cam latch member 126 also includes an edge 126 f, including a tab 126 b. A leading portion of edge 126 f is configured to be urged into engagement with an inner periphery 120 b of the backup plate 120 by an engagement finger 166 of the plunger 154 when the head assembly 112 is in its non-tilted or operative position. The tab 126 g is configured to engage the backwall 118 a of the housing 118 to prevent the cam latch member 126 from rotating counter-clockwise relative to the housing 118.

With reference to FIG. 6, the plunger 154 is slidably positioned in a bore 164 formed in the first end of center rod 152. The finger 166 of the plunger 154 is offset from the pivot axis of head assembly 112 and is biased into engagement with the body portion 126 c of the cam latch 126. Engagement of the finger 166 with the body portion 126 c of the cam latch member 126 presses a leading portion of the edge 126 f against an inner periphery of the back plate 120 to urge the head assembly 112 to an operative or non-tilted position on the center rod 152.

Turning to FIG. 7, in the pre-fired operative position of the head assembly 112, i.e. when the head assembly 112 has been pivoted to its non-tilted position, the fingers 138 formed on the backup plate 120 engage the protrusions 152 b adjacent the top surface 152 a of the center rod 152 to prevent the head assembly 112 from pivoting about the pivot member 162. The head assembly 112 may be tilted a degrees (FIG. 13) relative to the anvil center rod assembly 114 in the pre-fired tilted position. In one embodiment, the head assembly 112 is tilted about seventy degrees (70°) in its pre-fired tilted position; however it should be understood that tilting the head assembly 112 to other degrees is also contemplated. Titling of the head assembly 112 relative to the anvil center rod assembly 114 causes the body portion 126 c of the cam latch member 126 to engage the finger 166 of the plunger 154. As the cam latch member 126 rotates with the tilting of the head assembly 112, the plunger 154 is refracted within the bore 164 of the anvil center rod assembly 114, thereby compressing the spring 156. In this manner, the finger 166 of the plunger 154 is distally biased against the body portion 126 c of cam latch member 126.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a second end of the center rod 152 includes a bore 180 defined by a plurality of the flexible arms 182. The flexible arms 182 each include an opening 182 a dimensioned to receive a projection formed on or connected to a shell assembly 31 (FIG. 18). Alternatively, the openings 182 a may be configured to receive a suture for permitting retrieval of the anvil assembly 110. The proximal ends of each of the flexible arms 182 include an internal shoulder 184 dimensioned to releasably engage the shell assembly 31 of the surgical stapling device 10 to secure the anvil assembly 110 to the surgical stapling device 10. A plurality of splines 186 are formed about the center rod 152. The splines 186 function to align the anvil assembly 110 with the staple holding portion of the surgical stapling device 10. The center rod 152 also includes an annular recessed portion 190 to facilitate grasping of the anvil assembly 110 by a surgeon with a grasper (not shown). The recessed portion 190 may include a roughened or knurled surface or an overmold to facilitate grasping of the anvil assembly 110.

With reference now to FIGS. 9-12, a system for delivering the anvil assembly 110 within a patient is shown generally as anvil delivery system 50. The anvil delivery system 50 includes a flexible tube or member 52 and an adapter 62. The flexible tube 52 includes an open end 52 a. The adapter 62 and the anvil assembly 110 are supported on the open end 52 a of the flexible tube 52. The open end 52 a of the flexible tube 52 includes a throughbore 53 extending therethrough configured to receive a locking pin 54. The open end 52 a further includes an opening 55. The closed end 52 b of the flexible tube 52 is configured for trans-orally receipt in a patient. The flexible tube 52 may include markings or other gradations 56 along the length thereof to indicate to a surgeon how much of the flexible tube 52 has been received within the patient during insertion and/or to indicate the length of the flexible tube 52 remaining in the patient upon removal.

With particular reference to FIG. 10, the adapter 62 includes a first end 62 a configured to be received within the open end 52 a of the flexible tube 52 and a second end 62 b configured to be received with in the bore 180 formed in the center rod 152 of the anvil assembly 110. The first end 62 a includes a series of annular rings 64 configured to frictionally retain the first end 62 a of the adapter 62 within the open end 52 a of the flexible tube 52. The second end 62 b of the adapter 62 includes a longitudinal guide member 66 configured to be received between the flexible arms 182 formed in the center rod 152 of the anvil assembly 110. In addition, the second end 62 b of the adapter 62 is sized to allow the center rod 154 of the anvil assembly 110 to freely slide into and off of the second end 62 b of the adapter 62. The adapter 62 further includes a first throughbore 70 formed in a central hub portion 62 c as well as second and third throughbores 72, 74 formed in the first end 62 a. The first throughbore 72 is configured to align with the throughbore 53 formed in the open end 52 a of the flexible tube 52 and is sized to receive the locking pin 54.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 10, 13 and 14, the anvil assembly 110 is supported on the anvil delivery system 50. Securing the anvil assembly 110 to the anvil delivery system 50 requires that the first suture “S₁” is thread through the openings 119 a formed on the head assembly 112 such that the first and second ends “S_(1a)”, “S_(1b)” of the suture “S₁” are positioned on opposites of the center rod 152. Next, the second end 62 b of the adapter 62 is positioned within the throughbore 180 of the center rod 152 such that the longitudinal guide 66 is received between two of the arm members 182. Each of the first and second ends “S_(1a)”, “S_(1b)” of the suture “S₁” is inserted through the opening 55 formed in the open end 52 a of the flexible tube 52. The head assembly 112 is then rotated to a first tilted position while first and second ends “S_(1a)”, “S_(1b)” of suture “S₁” are pulled through the opening 55. The first end 62 a of the adapter 62 is then inserted into the open end 52 a of the flexible member 52. The frictional contact between the annular rings 64 of the first end 62 a of the adapter 62 and an inner surface of the flexible tube 52 secures the adapter 62 to the flexible tube 52 and prevents the first suture “S₁” from loosening. It is envisioned that more than one suture may be used to secure the head assembly 112 in a pre-fired tilted position.

With reference now to FIG. 15, a method for delivering the anvil assembly 110 to a surgical site within a patient will be described. In one method, the anvil assembly 110 is provided in the first tilted position supported on the anvil delivery system 50 and ready for delivery. Alternatively, a clinician secures the anvil assembly 110 to the anvil delivery system 50 as discussed above. Once the anvil assembly 110 has been secured to the flexible tube 52, the surgeon inserts the closed end 52 b of the flexible tube 52 in the patient's mouth “M” and moves the closed end 52 b along with the flexible tube 52 down through esophagus “E” to a surgical site, i.e., the stomach “St”.

After insertion, the surgeon then makes a first incision “I₁” at the surgical site (stomach “St” as shown) to create an inner access to the closed end 52 b of the flexible tube 52 and then pulls the open end 52 b of the flexible tube 52 through the first incision “I₁”. In some procedures it may be beneficial to pull the flexible tube 52 through the incision “I₁” until the center rod 152 of the anvil assembly 110 advances through the first incision “I₁”. When the anvil assembly 110 is properly positioned at the surgical site, the surgeon releases the anvil delivery system 50 from the anvil assembly 110 by cutting the suture “S₁” and separating the anvil assembly 110 from the second end 62 b of the adapter 62. The flexible tube 52 (with the fitting 62) may then be pulled from the body through the first incision “I₁”.

Severing of the suture “S₁” permits the plunger 154 to extend from within the bore 164, thereby causing the finger 166 to engage the body portion 126 c of the cam latch member 126. Rotation of the cam latch member 126 causes the edge 126 f of the cam latch member 126 to move into engagement with the inner periphery of the backup plate 120, thereby urging the head assembly 112 to return to a non-tilted operative position. Additionally, the distal end of the stapling device 10 may be configured to engage the finger 166 of the plunger 154 as the anvil assembly 110 is attached to the surgical stapling device 10. In this manner, the distal end of the surgical stapling device 10 urges the plunger 154 distally, thereby ensuring the rotation of the head assembly 112 to a non-tilted position.

With particular reference to FIG. 15, in one method, a second incision 1 ₂″ is then formed at the surgical site such that the distal head portion 16 of surgical stapling device 10 may be received therethrough. Alternatively, the distal head portion 16 of the surgical stapling device 10 may be received through the first incision “I₁” once the anvil deliver system 50 has been removed from the first incision “I₁”.

Turning briefly to FIGS. 16 and 17, the anvil assembly 110 is operably received on an anvil retainer 32 extending from the shell assembly 31 formed on a distal end of the surgical stapling device 10. Once the anvil assembly 110 is received on the surgical stapling device 10, the surgical stapling device 10 operates in the manner discussed in the '060 patent.

The operation of the anvil assembly 110 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 18-23. When the anvil assembly 110 is in its pre-fired non-tilted position, the backup plate 120 is spaced from the backwall 118 a of the housing 118 by the retainer 127 and the protrusions 152 b of the center rod 152 engage the fingers 138 of the backup plate 120 to prevent tilting of the head assembly 112 about the pivot member 162. The finger 166 of the plunger 154 is urged by the spring 156 into engagement with the body portion 126 c of the cam latch member 126 to urge the cam latch member 126 in a clockwise direction, about the pivot member 162 such that the edge 126 f of the cam latch member 126 engages the inner periphery 120 b of the backup member 120.

The firing of the surgical stapling device 10 causes a knife blade 33 (FIG. 19) of the surgical stapling device 10 to engage the cutting ring 122 to move the cutting ring 122 and backup plate 120 into annular recess 136 of housing 118 of the head assembly 112. Arrows “W” in FIG. 19 indicate how cutting ring 122 and backup plate 120 move as a result of the firing of surgical stapling device 10. When such movement occurs, deformable tabs 127 a of retainer 127 are deformed against backwall 118 a of housing 118 and fingers 138 of backup member 120 move away from protrusions 152 b of center rod 152. Further, inner periphery 120 b of backup plate 120 moves past edge 126 f of cam latch member 126 such that cam latch member 126 is urged to pivot about pivot member 162 in the direction indicated by arrow “X” in FIG. 21 by plunger 154 to a position in which body portion 126 d is positioned in front of and engages backup plate 120. Engagement of plunger 154 with cam latch member 126 urges the head assembly 112 to a second tilted position (FIGS. 22 and 23). It is noted that the head assembly 112 will not immediately tilt upon firing of surgical stapling device 10 because, upon firing, the head assembly 112 is in an approximated position, i.e., the head assembly 112 is in close alignment with shell assembly 31 of stapling device 10, and, therefore, does not provide room for head assembly 112 to pivot. As such, the head assembly 112 will only begin to tilt when anvil assembly 110 and shell assembly 31 of surgical stapling device 10 are being unapproximated.

As the head assembly 112 pivots towards its forward or second tilted position, the finger 166 of the plunger 154 maintains the curved surface 126 e of the cam latch member 126 in contact with the backup plate 120 to prevent the backup plate 120 from sticking to the knife blade 33 (FIG. 19) as the knife blade 33 is retracted. It is noted that the curved surface 126 e of the cam latch member 126 is configured to eliminate any gap and ensure contact between the curved surface 126 e of the cam latch member 126 and the backup plate 120 to hold the backup plate 120 in place during and after the knife blade 33 is retracted such that the cutting ring and backup plate assembly stay in their correct position during continued tilting of the anvil assembly 112. The anvil assembly 110 is configured such that the anvil head assembly tilts to a forward or second tilted position 0 degrees (FIG. 23) relative to the center rod assembly 114. In one embodiment, the head assembly 112 is tilted about seventy degrees (70°) to its second tilted position such that the total pivoting movement of the head assembly 112 from the retracted or first tilted position to the forward or second tilted position is about one-hundred and forty degrees (140°). It should, however, be noted that the tilting of the head assembly 112 to other degrees is also contemplated.

As described above, the anvil assemblies of the present disclosure are configured to be delivered to a surgical site, e.g., the stomach “St” (FIG. 15), trans-orally. During trans-oral delivery of the anvil assemblies, a retaining suture, i.e., first suture “S₁”, retains the head assembly of the anvil assembly in a first tilted position and a proximal guide suture, i.e., second suture “S₂”, which includes first and second ends “S_(2a)”, “S_(2b)” that remain external of the patient's mouth “M”, permits the surgeon to dislodge or retrieve the anvil assembly 110 from the patient during trans-oral delivery.

As described above and with reference to FIG. 11, second suture “S₂” is threaded through openings 119 b in housing 118 of head assembly 112 of anvil assembly 110. Detaching second suture “S₂” from anvil assembly 110 requires pulling on first end “S_(2a)” of second suture “S₂” such that second end “S_(2b)” of second suture “S₂” travels from a location externally of the patient's mouth “M” (FIG. 15) where it is accessible by the surgeon, through the patient's mouth “M” and upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, e.g., esophagus “E” and stomach “St” (FIG. 15) (collectively referred to as the patient's body lumen) and through the openings 119 b in housing 118 of head assembly 112 of anvil assembly 110 before having to travel back through the upper GI tract and out the patient's mouth “M”.

With reference now to FIGS. 25-33, an anvil assembly according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as anvil assembly 210. The anvil assembly 210 is configured to be secured in a first tilted position (FIG. 26) for delivery and delivered using a single suture “S” (FIG. 27). As will be described in further detail below, the suture “S” may be secured to anvil assembly 210 in various configurations that permit detaching of the suture “S” from the anvil assembly 210 following trans-oral delivery of anvil assembly 210 using a single cutting action and/or without creating loose pieces of the suture “S”. Further, by using the single suture “S” and securing the anvil assembly 210 in the manners described below, no portion of the suture “S” travels from the patient's mouth “M” (FIG. 15), through the upper GI tract, e.g., esophagus “E” (FIG. 15) and stomach “St” (FIG. 15) during withdrawal. Instead, the portion of the suture “S” that does not remain attached to the anvil delivery system 50 is retracted directly from the upper GI tract and through the mouth “M”.

The various configurations for securing the anvil assembly 210 in the first tilted position using a single suture “S” and the methods for attaching the single suture “S” to the anvil assembly 210 in the various configurations will be described as they relate to anvil delivery system 50 (FIG. 11) described hereinabove; however, it is envisioned that aspects of the various configurations and methods may be modified for use with various anvil assemblies and anvil delivery systems. It is also envisioned that the methods of securing the anvil assembly 210 in the first tilted position described herein may be performed at any time prior to trans-oral insertion of the anvil assembly 210, including, but not limited to, during assembly of a kit including the anvil assembly 210 and the anvil delivery system 50, or by a clinician during the surgical procedure.

Referring initially to FIGS. 25 and 26, anvil assembly 210 is substantially similar to anvil assembly 110 (FIG. 2) described hereinabove, and will only be described in detail as relates to the differences therebetween. The anvil assembly 210 includes head assembly 212 pivotally secured to a center rod assembly 214 between a first tilted position (FIG. 26), an operative position (FIG. 25), and a second tilted position (see, for example, anvil assembly 110 in FIG. 24). A housing 218 of the head assembly 212 defines first and second proximal openings 215 a, 215 b, first and second intermediate openings 217 a, 217 b, and first and second distal openings 219 a, 219 b. As will be described in further detail below, each of the first and second proximal and distal openings 215 a, 215 b, 219 a, 219 b are configured to receive the suture “S”.

Although when describing the various methods of securing the head assembly 212 using the suture “S” initial reference will be made to the first proximal and distal openings 215 a, 219 a of the housing 218 of the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210, the second proximal and distal openings 215 b, 219 b of the housing 218 are mirror images of the first proximal and distal openings 215 a, 219 a, therefore, the description of the various methods may instead refer initially to the second proximal and distal openings 215 b, 219 b.

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate a first method for securing the anvil assembly 210 in the first tilted position by tying the suture “S” in a first configuration. With reference initially to FIG. 27, a first end “S_(a)” of the suture “S” is received into the first distal opening 219 a of the housing 218 of the head assembly 212 and out of the first proximal opening 215 a of the housing 218 before being passed through the first throughbore 70 of the adapter 62 of anvil delivery system 50. The first end “S_(a)” of the suture “S” is then received into the second proximal opening 215 b of the housing 218 and out the second distal opening 219 b of the housing 218.

If the adapter 62 of the anvil delivery system 50 has not already been secured to the center rod assembly 214 of the anvil assembly 210, the adapter assembly 62 is secured to the center rod assembly 214 by receiving the second end 62 b of the adapter assembly 62 within a bore 280 of center rod 252 of center rod assembly 214. In the first method of securing the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210 in the first tilted position, the adapter 62 may be secured to the anvil assembly 210 prior to or subsequent the suture “S” being received through the adapter 62.

The first end “S_(a)” of the suture “S” and the second end “S_(b)” of the suture “S” are then crossed back over one another and pulled tight, as indicated by arrows “B” and “C”, respectively, in FIG. 27. As the first and second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” are pulled tight, the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210 moves to the first tilted position. Alternatively, the head assembly 212 may be manually moved to the first tilted position prior to tightening the first and second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S”. Once the head assembly 212 is in the first tilted position, the first and second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” are crossed back over one another to form a knot “K” between the first and second distal openings 219 a, 219 b of the housing 218 (FIG. 28). The knot “K” is tightened by continuous tensioning of the suture ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” to secure the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210 in the first tilted position.

In the first method of securing the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210 in the first tilted position, the adapter assembly 62 of the anvil delivery system 50 may be secured to the flexible member 52 of the anvil delivery system 50 at any time by receiving the first end 62 a of the adapter assembly 62 with the open end 52 a of the flexible member 52.

Either of the first or second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” may be cut adjacent the knot “K”, as indicated by line “D”, to form a single strand of the suture “S” that extends distally from anvil assembly 210. Alternatively, the first and second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” may be tied together to form a loop (not shown). The first and/or second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S”, or the loop, may then be used to facilitate trans-oral insertion of the anvil assembly 210 into a patient, as described above with regards to anvil assembly 110. As detailed above, during trans-oral insertion of the anvil assembly 210, the first and/or second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” remain external of the patient to permit the surgeon to dislodge or retrieve the anvil assembly 210.

Once the anvil assembly 210 is received at the operative site, e.g., within a patient, the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210 may be moved to the operative position by cutting either length of the suture “S” that extends between the first and second proximal openings 215 a, 215 b of the housing 218 of the head assembly 212 and the first throughbore 70 in the adapter 62 of the anvil delivery system 50. The suture “S” may be cut at any point between the knot “K” and the adapter 62. When only one of the lengths of the suture “S” that extends between the first and second proximal openings 215 a, 215 b and the first throughbore 70 is cut, the suture “S” may be removed from the patient, in its entirety, by pulling on the first and/or second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S”, e.g., the portion of the suture “S” that extends from the mouth “M” of the patient. When both lengths of the suture “S” that extend between the first and second proximal openings 215 a, 215 b and the first throughbore 70 are cut, only the portion of the suture “S” distal of the cut is removed from the patient by pulling on the first and/or second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “5”.

FIGS. 29-31 illustrate a second method for securing the anvil assembly 210 in the first tilted position by tying the suture “S” in a second configuration. With reference initially to FIG. 29, a loop “L” is formed in the midpoint of the suture “S” by tying a knot “K” in the suture “S”. A first end “S_(a)” of the suture “S” is then received into the first distal opening 219 a of the housing 218 of the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210 and out the first proximal opening 215 a of the housing 218 while a second end “S_(b)” of the suture “S” is received into the second distal opening 219 b of the housing 218 and out the second proximal opening 215 a of the housing. In this manner, the knot “K” formed in the suture “S” is positioned between the first and second distal openings 219 a, 219 b of the housing 218.

The first and second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” are then received through the first throughbore 70 of the adapter 62 of the anvil delivery system 50 from opposite directions and then through the second throughbore 72 of the adapter 62 from opposite directions. Alternatively, both the first and second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” may be received through the first throughbore 70 of the adapter 62 of the anvil delivery system 50 in the same direction and then through the second throughbore 72 of the adapter 62 in the same or opposite directions.

If the adapter 62 of the anvil delivery system 50 is not already secured to the center rod assembly 214 of the anvil assembly 210, the adapter 62 is secured to the center rod assembly 214, as described above. The adapter 62 may be secured to the anvil assembly 210 prior or subsequent to the suture “S” being received through the adapter 62.

The head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210 may then be moved to the first tilted position by pulling outwardly on the portions of the suture “S” extending from the first throughbore 70 of the adapter 62, as indicated by arrows “E” and “F” in FIG. 29. Alternatively, the head assembly 212 may be moved to the first tilted position manually. When the head assembly 212 is moved to the first tilted position manually, pulling on the portions of the suture “S” that extend from the first throughbore 70 of the adapter 62 tightens the suture “S”.

To secure the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210 in the first tilted position, the portions of the suture “S” that extend from the second throughbore 72 of the adapter 62, i.e., the first and second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)”, are pulled outwardly, as indicated by arrows “G” and “H” in FIG. 30, to tighten the suture “S” about the first end 62 a of the adapter 62. To maintain the suture “S” in the tightened condition, the first end 62 a of the adapter 62 is inserted within the open end 52 a of the flexible member 52 of the anvil delivery system 50. As the first end 62 a of the adapter 62 is inserted within the open end 52 a of the flexible member 52, the adapter 62 is secured to the flexible member 52 by a friction fit and the suture “S” is secured between the adapter 62 and the flexible member 52.

In an alternative method, the first and seconds “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” are received directly from the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210 through the second throughbore 72 of the adapter 62 of the anvil delivery system 50 without being received through the first throughbore 70 of the adapter 62. In this manner, continuous tension must be applied to the first and seconds “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” to maintain the head assembly 212 in the first tilted position until the adapter 62 is secured to the flexible member 52.

Once the suture “S” is tightened and the adapter 62 of the anvil delivery system 50 is secured to the flexible member 52 of the anvil delivery system 50, the first and second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” that extend from between the flexible member 52 and the adapter 62 may be trimmed. Alternatively, the first and second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” that extend from between the flexible member 52 and the adapter 62 may be wrapped around the center rod assembly 214 of the anvil assembly, around the adapter 62, and/or around the flexible member 52.

During a surgical procedure in which the anvil assembly 210 is trans-orally inserted into patient, the loop “L” of the suture “S” may be used to facilitate insertion of the anvil assembly 210 into the patient. Alternatively, the suture “S” may be cut adjacent to the knot “K” formed in the suture “S” to form a single strand of the suture “S” that extends distally from the anvil assembly 210 and the single strand of the suture “S” may be used to facilitate insertion of the anvil assembly 210.

Once the anvil assembly 210 is received at the operative site, e.g., within a patient, the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210 is moved to the operative position by cutting both lengths of the suture “S” that extend between the first and second proximal openings 215 a, 215 b in the housing 218 of the head assembly 212 and the first throughbore 70 in the adapter 62 of the anvil delivery system 50. The suture “S” may be cut at any point between the head assembly 212 and the adapter 62. After the suture “S” is cut, the portion of the suture “S” that extends distally of the cut may be removed from the patient by pulling on the portion of the suture “S” that extends distally from the head assembly 212.

FIG. 32 illustrates a variation to the second method for securing the anvil assembly 210 in the first tilted position using a single suture “S”, as described above. During the variation to the second method, after receiving the first and second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” through the housing 218 of the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210, the first and second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” are crossed over or overlapped with one another one or more times before the first and second ends “S_(a)”, “S_(b)” of the suture “S” are received through the first throughbore 70 of the adapter 62 of the anvil delivery system 50. In this manner, a single cut may be made to the suture “S” along any portion of the overlapping lengths of the suture “S” to sever the suture “S”, and permit the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly to move to the operative position.

Turning to FIG. 33, the head assembly 212 of the anvil assembly 210 is shown attached to the anvil delivery system 50 and secured in the first tilted position using the variation of the second method described above. A suture reel 300 is shown supporting the portion of the suture “S” extending distally from the anvil assembly 210. An exemplary suture reel is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/078,814, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The anvil assembly 210, anvil delivery system 50 and the suture reel 300 may be provided in a kit. The kit may include the anvil assembly 210 secured to the anvil delivery system 50 using any of the above described methods in any of the above described configurations. Alternatively, the components of the kit may be provided separate from one another and/or partially assembled.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An anvil delivery system comprising: a delivery assembly; an anvil assembly selectively securable to the delivery assembly, the anvil assembly including: a center rod assembly selectively securable to the delivery assembly; and a head assembly pivotally secured to the center rod assembly between a first tilted position and an operative position; and a suture extending from the anvil delivery system through the head assembly and distally of the head assembly, wherein the suture retains the head assembly in the first tilted position.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the head assembly includes a housing that defines a first proximal opening and a second proximal opening, the suture extending through each of the first and second proximal openings.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the delivery assembly includes a flexible member and an adapter.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the suture extends through the adapter.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the suture is frictionally secured between the flexible member and the adapter.
 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the suture extends from the first proximal opening through the adapter and to the second proximal opening.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein a first portion of the suture crosses over a second portion of the suture between the head assembly and the adapter.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the suture includes a loop extending distally of the head assembly.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the head assembly is movable to a second tilted position opposite the first tilted position.
 10. A method of securing an anvil assembly in a first tilted position, the method comprising: receiving a first end of a suture through a first opening in a head assembly of an anvil assembly; receiving the first end of the suture through a bore in an adapter secured to a center rod assembly of the anvil assembly; receiving the first end of the suture back through a second opening in the head assembly; and tying the first end of the suture to a second end of the suture adjacent the head assembly.
 11. The method of claim 10, further including moving the head assembly relative to the center rod assembly prior to tying the first end of the suture to the second end of the suture.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein moving the head assembly relative to the center rod assembly includes pivoting the head assembly to a first tilted position.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein receiving the first end of the suture through a first opening includes receiving the first end of the suture into a first distal opening and out a first proximal opening.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein receiving the first end of the suture through a second opening includes receiving the first end of the suture into a second proximal opening and out of a second distal opening.
 15. A method of securing an anvil assembly in a first tilted position, the method comprising: receiving a first end of a suture through a first opening in a head assembly of an anvil assembly; receiving a second end of the suture through a second opening in the head assembly; receiving the first and second ends of the suture through a bore in an adapter; and securing the adapter to a flexible member such that the suture is secured within the bore.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein receiving the first and second ends of the suture through a bore includes receiving the first end of the suture through a first bore in a first direction and receiving the second end of the suture through the first bore in a second direction, then receiving the first end of the suture through a second bore in the second direction and receiving the second end of the suture through the second bore in the first direction.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein securing the adapter to the flexible member includes receiving a first end of the adapter within an open end of the flexible member. 